Navy, Air Force Get Advanced Weapon Targeting Sensor Tech

BAE Systems has begun production of its sensor technology for the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), a next-generation, precision-guided stealth missile capable of semi-autonomously detecting and identifying targeted enemy ships, without relying exclusively on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, networking links, or GPS navigation.

With a range of at least 200 nautical miles, LRASM is designed to use next-generation guidance technology to help track and eliminate targets such as enemy ships, shallow submarines, drones, aircraft and land-based targets.

The sensor enables the missile to seek and attack specific high-threat maritime targets within groups of ships, including those protected by sophisticated anti-aircraft systems.

The missile’s range, survivability, and lethality capabilities are designed to help warfighters more effectively conduct missions in denied environments from beyond the reach of return fire ― meeting a pressing need for both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.

According to BAE developers, the precision routing and guidance technology of the sensor ― which doesn’t rely exclusively on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, networking links, or GPS navigation ― enables the missile to operate effectively in contested domains and all weather conditions, day or night.

“The production of our advanced sensor for LRASM is a testament to the strength of our technology and our ability to transition the capability from airframes to missiles,” said Joseph Mancini, LRASM program manager at BAE Systems. “Precision guidance and advanced electronics are areas where we have leading capabilities, and where we can provide warfighters with an advantage on the battlefield.”

The sensor system builds on the company’s expertise in signal processing and target detection and location.